I took shelter under this tree earlier this week and, having climbed up the buttress roots, managed to take a close look at it’s trunk burl.
Burls are usually formed as a result of some kind of damage, be that environmental, insect, fungal or storm. This burl has formed an intricate knot of complex growth, including many leafing spurs. Apart from those growth points, it looks rather like a viscous lava flow.
It’s fascinating, both ugly and wonderful at the same time. Indeed, these kinds of growth are highly sought after by wood turners/carvers as they can produce spectacularly beautiful bowls and art work. I wonder what this one would look like inside?
Like this perhaps? Image is courtesy the instructables website: Example shows lovely markings being revealed as a piece of burl wood is turned.
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I had a woodworker friend who did quite a bit of work with burls. They certainly can be a source of wonderfully patterned bowls and such. It’s interesting how — from a distance — the large burl resembles a swarm of bees.
Yes it does. Good observation! I did a term of wood turning, but missed out on using burl wood.
Looks like some nifty Lathe work here as well as a fab piccy of a lovely tree.
Thanks. Good sharp tools I think!
They kind of look like worms! 😀 When we cut firewood, we give our cherry burls to a wood worker who makes knife handles and bowls out of them.
How wonderful! Worms with crash helmets?!
I love finding burls while in the woods and formed a kinship with one. Check out my Gravatar for my doppelganger. 🙂
🤣 Both of you look very wise!
🙂
Beautiful and fascinating. 😃 Do you know what kind of tree it is?
Thanks Cathy. I didn’t really register the species, but those buds look like horse chestnut.
Lovely to see this, Allison – thanks for sharing